Bolstering Materials Science at LMU

With a background in mechatronics engineering and robotics acquired during his undergraduate and master's studies in Iraq, Mustafa Mozael, Loyola Marymount University assistant professor of mechanical engineering, was introduced to the study of materials science in the U.S. while pursuing his Ph.D. "In a way, I started from scratch because robotics and synthesis of materials are not similar," said Mozael. "I was encouraged and motivated by my dissertation success in producing nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications, which is related to accelerating the change of material properties using light."

Materials science examines the physical and chemical properties of materials, and how to create new compounds, phases, and microstructures. Material scientists design processes to manipulate materials to meet the needs of modern technology. They also work with smart materials that can change their properties in a controlled way when exposed to external stimuli. Materials science can be applied to a variety of industries, including aerospace, renewable energy, and medicine. Mozael is particularly interested in focusing his efforts on green energy by producing sources with the least environmental impact.

His current research is focused on an area of materials science called nanotechnology, which is the creation of new materials at an incredibly small scale, referred to as nanomaterials. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter or 100,000 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. New structures can be created by rearranging the atoms of an object to fabricate a material with new properties such as those that are stronger, lighter, or different in color. Mozael is investigating the fabrication of nanomaterials for photocatalytic applications; one such use being to enhance the efficiency and performance of solar cells by creating a purer solar cell with optical properties to absorb the most light and convert it to electricity. Another application could be for the process of separating oxygen and hydrogen for water remediation.

Mozael's Ph.D. research resulted in the collaborating team submitting a U.S. patent application in 2022, which is pending, titled "Submerged Plasma Process for the Production of Nanostructured Materials." The process produces nanoparticles/nanostructures with a variety of applications. Examples are: 1) nanoparticle masses/groups to be used as raw material for thermal-spray processes for protective coatings that are resistant to abrasive, erosive, and corrosive wear and/or to provide high-temperature oxidation and hot-corrosion resistance; and 2) production of thin/thick nanostructured films that can be incorporated in laminated structures such as to enhance blast-wave protection and ballistic-impact resistance. Additionally, the team found that the novel crystalline-layered nanostructures reveal increased photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water reduction.

"During my time as a visiting assistant professor, I worked with an LMU student on my research of nanomaterials fabrication," said Mozael. "Now, I plan to continue my research with interdisciplinary opportunities for mechanical engineering and chemistry students, as well as those who are interested in materials science. I hope to develop future opportunities for students to study materials science and investigate the relationships between the structure and properties of a material, materials characterization, and how materials are made."

Mozael brings real-world experience to his classroom having worked as an engineer both internationally and in the U.S. In Iraq, he was employed at Alkhora - Enviro Technology Services and the South Oil Company. While in the U.S, he participated in a multi-state, comprehensive training program in laboratory design, and chemical and biological management and operations at Sandia International Laboratory based in New Mexico.

Mozael first joined LMU as a visiting assistant professor in 2022 and since then has taught mechanical engineering courses in vibrations and dynamics, and advanced mechanics of materials, as well as served as a capstone project advisor for the department. Prior to joining LMU, he taught at Rutgers University, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, and The City University of New York.

He earned a Ph.D. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Rutgers University, and master's and bachelor's degrees in mechatronics engineering from the University of Baghdad in Iraq.